In Memory of Joel Fox
With the greatest sadness, we must share the news that our friend, trusted advisor and former president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, Joel Fox, has passed away.
Joel was with HJTA for 19 years, starting from the earliest days and serving as president between 1986 and 1998. He led the organization to an historic victory for taxpayers with the passage of Proposition 218, the Right to Vote on Taxes Act, in 1996. Last year he returned to join the Board of Directors of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Foundation, helping to guide the organization’s legal and educational efforts.
In the interim he was a force of nature in California politics, earning the respect of leaders in both parties. Among his many impressive achievements was his work as a senior policy consultant to the Schwarzenegger for governor campaign in 2003. Joel’s sons Eric and Zack recalled that Schwarzenegger admiringly referred to their dad as “the man.”
As the co-publisher and editor-in-chief of the influential political website “Fox and Hounds Daily,” Joel showcased the writing of voices across the political spectrum. It was characteristic of his respectful and thoughtful nature to enable civil discussion even when disagreements were intense.
Joel was a prolific writer. His opinion pieces, hundreds of them, appeared in major newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and many others. His articles have been collected by the California State Library. Joel also wrote books – “The Legend of Proposition 13,” published in 2003, tells the story of the California tax revolt that saved so many people from being taxed out of their homes. Joel even wrote mystery novels, among them, “Lincoln’s Hand,” “FDR’s Treasure” and “The Mark on Eve.”
Between 1991 and 2004, Joel was appointed by leaders of both political parties to serve on six state commissions and two local government commissions. In 2006 he joined the faculty of Pepperdine University as an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Public Policy.
When we learned of Joel’s passing on January 10 it was a gut punch to all of us in the Howard Jarvis organization. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Joel’s treasured wife, Dr. Cydney Fox, his sons and daughters-in-law, his grandchildren, his extended family and all his many friends.
A memorial will be held in Sacramento to honor Joel in the city where we all were privileged to benefit from his work. Details to follow.
May Joel’s memory be for a blessing.
